Proposed Closure of Sible Hedingham Library

Nov 30, 2018

At Essex County Council, we recognise library services play a unique and valued role in our

society. But in the last five years use has slumped: loans have almost halved and fewer thanone in five Essex residents use libraries. The current service needs to change to fit the waywe live now and in the future.Earlier this year we asked for people’s views on library services. We have listened to whatEssex people have told us and come up with a set of proposals which are set out in a draftstrategy. Our five-year plan in that draft strategy is for a service that:• Keeps books and reading at the heart of our library service offer• Embraces digital technology and e-library services• Has a smaller number of libraries which better meet community needs• Works in partnership with communities to run library services.

It is vital we operate a service that is viable to run and is relevant to people’s lives. Theproposals therefore include some significant changes to the current service. We want to getyour views on these proposals.You can find more information about our proposals and complete the survey atwww.essex.gov.uk/libraries-consultation. You can complete the survey as an individual or onbehalf of an organisation.If you need help to complete the survey, would like it in large print, or would like a printed copyof the EasyRead versions, please ask at your local library or call 0345 603 7639.During the consultation, we will also be holding information drop-ins at every library providing afurther opportunity to ask questions, complete the consultation and find out more.If you are from a community group or organisation we would also welcome your help topublicise the consultation to your members or service users. If you would like copies ofpublicity material please email libraries@essex.gov.uk.The deadline for completing the consultation survey is 20 February 2019.All the responses from the consultation will be analysed and findings published on theconsultation website. These will be available on request for those without internet access.Any changes proposed will be considered when the strategy is finalised in summer 2019.